INDIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH ARTICLE
OPEN ACCESS
Received: 18-05-2023
Accepted: 30-06-2023
Published: 28-07-2023
Citation: Shah MS, Panchal M,
Patel RB, Bhoi DK (2023) Utilization
of Peanut Shells as Sustainable
Fillers for Light Weight and
Cost-Effective Composite Material .
Indian Journal of Science and
Technology 16(29): 2176-2182. https
://doi.org/10.17485/IJST/v16i29.2443
∗
Corresponding author.
milishah2408@gmail.com
Funding: None
Competing Interests: None
Copyright: © 2023 Shah et al. This is
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Published By Indian Society for
Education and Environment (iSee)
ISSN
Print: 0974-6846
Electronic: 0974-5645
https://www.indjst.org/
Utilization of Peanut Shells as
Sustainable Fillers for Light Weight and
Cost-Effective Composite Material
Mili S Shah1 ∗ , Manthan Panchal2 , Ravi B Patel3 , D K Bhoi4
1 Research Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad, 380061,
Gujarat, India
2 Professor, Department of Chemistry, Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad, 380061, Gujarat,
India
3 Professor, Department of Chemistry, Shree P. M. Patel Institute of Post graduate Studies
and Research in Science, 388001, Anand, India
4 Professor, Department of Chemistry, J& J College of Science, Nadiad, 387001, India
Abstract
Objectives: To explore the use of natural composites as environmentally-
friendly alternatives to plastic. To investigate the effects of varying ratios of
peanut shells and Styrene Diluted Unsaturated Polyester resin (SDUPR) on the
mechanical properties of the composites and to assess the biodegradability
of the composites. Method: Composites were prepared using the manual
layup method. Utilized varying ratios of peanut shells and SDUPR as: 50:50,
55:45, 60:40, 65:35 and cured the composites with a curing agent. Performed
mechanical tests including Izod Impact test, Flexural test, Rockwell Hardness
test using standard test ASTM D256, Flexure strength testing and HR-210MR
respectively. Evaluated the biodegradability of the composites. Findings:
The ratio of peanut shells to SDUPR significantly affects the hardness and
biodegradability of the composites. Comparisons of the four sheets provide
insights into the mechanical properties of each composite and the impact of the
ratio of peanut shells and SDUPR. The observed values of Izod impact test are
1.95 J/cm2 , 1.86 J/cm2 , 1.75 J/cm2 , 1.69 J/cm2 and Rockwell hardness test are 29
kg.mm, 23 kg.mm, 17 kg.mm, 9 kg.mm. Novelty: This study explores the use
of natural composites made of SDUPR and peanut shells, contributing to the
search for environmentally-friendly materials. It provides valuable insights into
the potential of natural composites as a sustainable alternative to conventional
materials.
Keywords: Biodegradability; Composites; Peanut Shells; Polyester Resin
1 Introduction
Scientists are now concentrating on renewable resources and other low-impact
materials to reduce environmental contamination caused by composites with synthetic
fillers. One of the ways in utilizing agricultural waste is to create composite materials
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with natural fibers, commonly known as fiber-reinforced composites. In the sphere of research and development, interest in such
bio composites has gained popularity, recently. Natural fibers can significantly enhance thermoplastics and thermosetting, such
as wood fibers, agro-based bast, leaf, seed, and stem. In areas without access to wood supplies or as a result of deforestation,
rice husk, cotton, jute, bagasse, straw, cobs, sisal, banana, Alfa, coir, bamboo, peanut shells, etc. can be used as substitute of
wood (1,2) Unsaturated polyesters, a frequent thermoset due to their diverse variety of properties, are used as a polymer matrix
in composites. Unsaturated polyester Resin is curable because of a polymerization reaction that results in crosslinking between
different linear polymer chains. Since no by-products are produced during the curing reaction, unlike with other thermosetting
resins, resin can be molded, cast, and laminated at moderate pressures and temperatures. The reinforcement of polyesters with
cellulosic fibres has been widely reported. Polyester–jute, polyester–sisal, polyester–coir, polyester–banana-cotton, polyester–
straw, polyester–pineapple leaf and polyester–cotton-kapok are some of the promising systems (3,4) . Although natural fibers have
a lot of advantages, they also have certain drawbacks and limitations such as an incompatibility with a hydrophobic polymer
matrix. To perform such reactions various chemical treatments such as Silane, acetylation and acid treatment are performed (5) .
The present work of preparing composites of peanut shells with unsaturated polyester resin can have several benefits and
applications like Improved mechanical properties, Waste utilization, Lightweight material, Cost-effectiveness, Environmental
benefits (Biodegradability) and Thermal insulation. The findings demonstrated that the filler treatments improved the interfacial
adhesion between the fibres and matrix, leading to gain in mechanical qualities as well as a decrease in water absorption.
Additionally, it was discovered that the tested composites’ flexural strength values are higher than the minimal standards for
the flexural strength of panels used for common applications. The produced composites are thus great choices for a variety of
potential applications. It’s important to note that the specific properties and performance of the composite will depend on factors
such as the composition ratio of peanut shells to resin, the manufacturing process, and any additional additives or treatments
applied.

2 Methodology
In this study, a natural composite of resin was produced using peanut shells as a sustainable filler raw material. The peanut shells
were initially crushed and converted into powder form, after which they were mixed with 1% Benzoyl peroxide as a curing agent
in a glass beaker.

Fig 1. Composite of Peanut Shell and SDUPR

The mixture was thoroughly stirred with a glass rod before adding Styrene Diluted Unsaturated Polyester Resin (SDUPR),
and stirring was continued until a homogeneous mixture without any lumps formed. Two iron plates, each measuring 260 mm
x 260 mm with a thickness of 12 mm, were chosen. These plates were equipped with four holes at their four corners, and a
Teflon sheet measuring 180 mm x 180 mm was placed on each plate. A 9 mm thick laminate was created using the mixture,
with a square plate size of 150 mm x 150 mm, which was positioned above the Teflon sheet on one of the iron plates. Another
Teflon sheet of the same size was used to cover the laminate, and the second iron plate was placed on top, nuts and bolts were
used to tighten all four corners of the plates. The material was then heated in an oven set at a temperature of 1000 C for two and
a half hours. Subsequently, the oven was turned off, and the material was left to rest in the oven for 24 hours. After removal
from the oven, a natural composite of resin was obtained (Figure 1).

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Table 1. Proportion of Peanut Shells and SDUPR

Sr. No. Particular PSS-1 PSS-2 PSS-3 PSS-4
1 Amount ofPeanut Shells 100 gm 110 gm 120 gm 130 gm
2 Amount of SDUPR 100 gm 90 gm 80 gm 70 gm
3 Total Weightof Mixture 200 gm 200 gm 200 gm 200 gm
4 Amount ofBenzoyl Peroxide 2 gm 2 gm 2 gm 2 gm
5 Ratio (Peanut Shells: SDUPR) 50: 50 55: 45 60: 40 65: 35

Four different sheets were prepared, with variations in the amount of peanut shells powder and SDUPR (Table 1). However,
the proportion of the curing agent (Benzoyl Peroxide) was kept constant, representing 1% of the total weight of the mixture (6–8) .

3 Result and Discussion

Fig 2. Impact Energy

In the Izod Impact Strength Test, a pivoting arm is raised to a specific height and subsequently released. As the arm moves
downwards, it strikes a notched sample causing it to break and the impact angle of the test is fixed at 145o . The impact energy
is measured as the energy required to break the sample per unit area and is expressed in J/cm2 . The experimental results show
that as the proportion of peanut shells in the sample increases, the impact energy gradually decreases. For instance, the impact
energy for the 50:50 mixture is 1.95 J/cm2 , whereas for the mixtures of 55:45, 60:40, and 65:35, the impact energies are 1.86
J/cm2 , 1.75 J/cm2 , and 1.69 J/cm2 , respectively. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between the proportion of peanut shells and
impact energy. The trendline shows a gradual decrease in impact energy as the proportion of peanut shells increases.
The Rockwell scale is a method for quantifying the hardness of a material based on its resistance to indentation. The test
involves measuring the depth of penetration of an indenter under a heavy load, compared to the penetration made by a preload.
This scale is also applied to measure the hardness of carbides, thin steel, and shallow case-hardened steel. The HrA scale is
utilized to determine the hardness of peanut shell sheets, using a preload of 60 kg and unit of hardness is Kg.mm. From Figure 3,
it is evident that the hardness of the material gradually decreases as the proportion of peanut shells increases.
The flexural test is a method used to measure the bending strength of a plastic beam and to evaluate the material’s stiffness
or resistance to bending. The flexural modulus is a measure of the material’s ability to bend without undergoing permanent
deformation. The key factors that determine a material’s flexibility are its Young’s modulus of bending and flexural Rigidity.
Based on Figure 4, it can be observed that there is a slight decrease in the measured parameter between PSS-1 and PSS-2, a
significant decrease between PSS-2 and PSS-3, and a minimal decrease between PSS-3 and PSS-4. According to Figure 5, there is
a correlation between the increasing proportion of peanut shells and a continuous decrease in flexural rigidity. This observation
suggests that a decrease in resin proportion results in a decrease in both flexibility and flexural rigidity of the material.
In this experiment, a biodegradability test is conducted using four different samples, each with dimensions of 10mm x 15mm.
The samples have different ratios of Peanut shells and Resin initiated, which are 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, and 65:35. The samples are
pre-weighed before the testing process. To conduct the test, four conical flasks are used, each containing 100 ml of Sabouraud
solution. The flasks are inoculated with Aspergillus fungus. Optical Density (O.D.) is measured at 600nm at interval of 24 hours

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Fig 3. Hardness

Fig 4. Flexibility

Fig 5. Flexural Rigidity

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Fig 6. Biodegradability

to track the growth of the fungus and O.D. is measured until the growth of fungus stops. To measure the sugar released, the
DNSA method is adopted. After 30 days, all samples are removed and dried properly. Their weights are measured, and the
weight loss of each sample is calculated. Figure 6 is used to observe the biodegradability of each sample. The results show that as
the proportion of Peanut shells in the samples increases, biodegradability also increases. It is observed that the biodegradability
is maximum when the ratio for Peanut shells and Resin is 65:35. This experiment also indicates that when the proportion of
Resin is increased, biodegradability decreases.

Fig 7. Izod Impact, Rockwell Hardness, Flexural Strength, Flexural Rigidity, Biodegradability Comparison Test for Rice Husk and Peanut
Shells

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The provided data presents a comparison between rice husk resin composite and peanut husk resin composite in terms
of Izod impact, Rockwell hardness, flexural strength, and biodegradability (Figure 7). Based on the given data, it can be
concluded that the peanut husk resin composite performs better than the rice husk resin composite in most aspects, except
for biodegradability (6) .

4 Conclusion
In the Izod Impact Comparison Test, the impact energy (J/cm2 ) of Rice Husk: Resin ratios of 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, and 65:35 was
measured and compared with Peanut Shells: Resin ratios. The results showed that the Rice Husk: Resin ratio of 50:50 had an
impact energy of 1.75 J/cm2 , while the Peanut Shells: Resin ratio of the same proportion had an impact energy of 1.95 J/cm2,
indicating a difference of 11.43%. Similarly, at the ratios of 55:45, 60:40, and 65:35, the Rice Husk: Resin had impact energies of
1.53 J/cm2 , 1.53 J/cm2 , and 1.33 J/cm2 , respectively, while the corresponding Peanut Shells: Resin ratios had impact energies of
1.86 J/cm2 , 1.75 J/cm2 , and 1.69 J/cm2 , representing percentage differences of 21.77%, 14.38%, and 21.05%, respectively. In the
Rockwell hardness comparison test, the ratios of rice husk to resin exhibited a hardness range of 24-5 kg/mm, while the ratios
of peanut shells to resin showed a range of 29-9 kg/mm. The 50:50 ratio of rice husk to resin resulted in the highest hardness
percentage (48%), followed by the 55:45 ratio (36%). The 60:40 ratio yielded a hardness percentage of 20%, while the 65:35 ratio
had the lowest hardness percentage (12%). In the flexural strength comparison test, the ratio of rice husk to resin at 50:50 yielded
a flexural rigidity of 503,089.76 Nmm2 , while the ratio of peanut shells to resin at the same proportion resulted in a flexural
rigidity of 1,045,446.808 Nmm2 . As the ratio shifted to 55:45, the flexural rigidity decreased to 371,191.14 Nmm2 for rice husk
and 786,977.414 Nmm2 for peanut shells. Further increasing the resin content to 60:40 resulted in a decrease in flexural rigidity
to 226,689.9 Nmm2 for rice husk and 509,118.024 Nmm2 for peanut shells. Finally, at the ratio of 65:35, the flexural rigidity
reduced to 86,135.39 Nmm2 for rice husk and 273,448.125 Nmm2 for peanut shells. In the biodegradability comparison test, the
weight loss percentages of rice husk-resin composite were observed to be 19.15%, 20.98%, 22.58%, and 23.61% for the ratios of
50:50, 55:45, 60:40, and 65:35, respectively. On the other hand, the weight loss percentages of peanut shell-resin composite were
11.88%, 13.38%, 16.09%, and 18.27% for the same ratios (Figure 7). These results indicate that the rice husk-resin composite
exhibited higher biodegradability compared to the peanut shell-resin composite across all ratios tested (6) .
Based on the provided data, the peanut shells resin composite outperforms the rice husk resin composite in terms of
Izod impact, Rockwell hardness, and flexural strength. The peanut shells composite exhibits higher impact energy, hardness,
and flexural strength values, indicating superior mechanical properties. However, the rice husk composite shows better
biodegradability with higher weight loss percentages.
Composites made of natural fibers combined with unsaturated polyester resin have gained significant attention in recent
years due to their unique properties and environmentally friendly nature (9,10) . Different structures of hybrid polymer
composites are used for automobile components, sports, boats, aircraft, office items, equipment, marine and many more
industries. In the automobile industry, agro-based thermoset hybrid composites are highly used and composites are also used
to prepare doors, windows, different types of furniture, decorative articles etc. (11,12) .
Natural fiber composites with unsaturated polyester resin are being increasingly used for manufacturing automotive parts,
such as interior trim panels, door panels, seat backs, and parcel shelves. These composites offer excellent mechanical properties,
including high strength and stiffness, low weight, and good impact resistance, making them suitable for automotive applications.
These composites offer unique properties, such as natural aesthetics, lightweight, and biodegradability, making them attractive
for consumer goods applications (13–18) .

Acknowledgement
The authors express their gratitude to J & J College of Science, Naiad Education Society for laboratory facilities. For Analytical
work, we thank The Department of Polymer and Material Science Department of Sardar Patel University, Anand, India.

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